Russian regions, particularly Yakutia, are facing major difficulties in recruiting contract soldiers due to heavy losses, low payments and the reluctance of local authorities to support mobilisation efforts.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)

Details: According to DIU, internal documents of the Russian Defence Ministry show that poor recruitment figures are linked to insufficient regional payments and a lack of cooperation from local authorities. On average, recruitment centres in Yakutia are failing to meet about 40% of Moscow's established quotas.

Quote: "An additional factor behind the failure is the heavy losses among the local population, particularly among certain ethnic groups – Yakuts, Evenks and Evens – who do not wish to die for Moscow's interests."

Details: A similar situation has been recorded in other regions of Russia's Far East.

DIU emphasised that any Russian soldier who does not want to die in what are known as "cannon fodder assaults" can save their life by contacting the I Want to Live project on Telegram.

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